Kaepernick shows he has the right stuff

Kaepernick has everything it takes

By Ann Killion :
February 3, 2013
: Updated: June 17, 2014 8:31pm

Ann Killion, Chronicle columnist, is seen on Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) breaks away for a run in the first half of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) throws downfield during Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks to throw downfield in the first half of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Running back Frank Gore (21) keapernicks while celebrating with Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) after running in a touchdown in the third quarter of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) runs downfield on a punt return to score a touchdown on the first play of the second half during Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Running back Frank Gore (21) runs in for a touchdown in the third quarter of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) runs downfield on a punt return to score a touchdown on the first play of the second half during Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Cornerback Chris Culliver (29) during the fourth quarter of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the fourth quarter of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Cornerback Chris Culliver (29) during the fourth quarter of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Brothers John and Jim Harbaugh meet at centerfield to shake hands after John and the Baltimore Ravens beat Jim and the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in Superbowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Brothers John and Jim Harbaugh meet at centerfield to shake hands after John and the Baltimore Ravens beat Jim and the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in Superbowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Running back Frank Gore (21) leaves the field after a loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Superbowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Brothers John and Jim Harbaugh meet at centerfield to shake hands after John and the Baltimore Ravens beat Jim and the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in Superbowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) and Defensive tackle Justin Smith (94) during the fourth quarter of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the fourth quarter of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and San Francisco 49ers Jim Harbaugh during the fourth quarter of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.qbcoach

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Running back Frank Gore (21) celebrates after running in a touchdown in the third quarter of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

The Baltimore Ravens celebrate after the 49ers failed to score on their last possession in the fourth quarter while trailing 34-29, and the Ravens took over on downs. The San Francisco 49ers played the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII, on Sunday, February 3, 2013, in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Beyonce performs during halftime at Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Beyonce performs during halftime at Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

49ers fans look on as the 49ers fans are defeated by the Ravens 34-31. The San Francisco 49ers played the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII, on Sunday, February 3, 2013, in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

49ers fans watch as the 49ers failed to score in their final possession. The San Francisco 49ers played the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII, on Sunday, February 3, 2013, in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

Brian and Amanda Evans of Salinas, Calif., watch as Ravens fans celebrate after the Ravens defeated the 49ers 34-31 in the Super Bowl. The San Francisco 49ers played the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII, on Sunday, February 3, 2013, in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

Michael Oher, left, and Arthur Jones, right, celebrate as the Ravens took over on downs after the 49ers failed to score on fourth down. The San Francisco 49ers played the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII, on Sunday, February 3, 2013, in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

Baltimore Ravens Dannell Ellerbe, left, and Paul Kruger, celebrate as Colin Kaepernick gets up after failing to complete a pass to Michael Crabtree in the 49ers' last possession while they trailed 34-29. The San Francisco 49ers played the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII, on Sunday, February 3, 2013, in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

Michael Crabtree can't get to a ball thrown from Colin Kaepernick on fourth down on the 49ers last possesion trailing the Ravens 34-29. The San Francisco 49ers played the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII, on Sunday, February 3, 2013, in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) jumps for a catch in the fourth quarter of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Running back Ray Rice (27) recovers a fumble by running back Ray Rice (27) during the second half of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Running back Frank Gore (21) runs in for a touchdown in the third quarter of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

Perrish Cox watches from the sideline as the Ravens celebrate after winning the Super Bowl after defeating the 49ers 34-31. The San Francisco 49ers played the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII, on Sunday, February 3, 2013, in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

John Harbaugh, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, holds the Lombardi Trophy after the Ravens defeated the 49ers 34-31 to win the Super Bowl. The San Francisco 49ers played the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII, on Sunday, February 3, 2013, in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and San Francisco 49ers Jim Harbaugh during the fourth quarter of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Kicker David Akers (2) in the second half of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Cornerback Tarell Brown (25) forces a fumble on running back Ray Rice (27) during the second half of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Running back Frank Gore (21) keapernicks while celebrating with Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) after running in a touchdown in the third quarter of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Half of the lights go out during the third quarter causing a delay of game during Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throughs through an attempted block in the first half of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) during the first half of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) catches a long pass through the attempted tackle of tight end Delanie Walker (46) in the first half of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh during the first half of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Photo By Michael Macor/The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs for a small gain in the first half of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

NEW ORLEANS - Five yards. That's all that stood between the 49ers and glory.

Five yards. A distance Colin Kaepernick can cover with one stride of his long legs.

"All the work we did in the offseason, the whole entire season, everything came down to five yards," tackle Joe Staley said. "We weren't able to get it done."

Five yards short.

The game ended with confetti on the Ravens and a question for the 49ers: Why didn't they use their most dangerous weapon at their most desperate time? Why didn't Kaepernick attempt to run the ball in? Three straight passes went toward Michael Crabtree. Three straight passes fell incomplete.

Kaepernick became the first 49ers quarterback to lose a Super Bowl. But, in a dazzling second half, he showed that he has everything it takes to win one. Except perhaps the right play call at the right time.

So, world, be warned.

"I think he can bring us here again and again," tight end Delanie Walker said. "We're going to put that on his back."

Kaepernick put the 49ers on his back for most of the second half, but he was denied the chance to carry them to victory. A game that was becoming a Super Bowl embarrassment for the 49ers instead evolved into a heartbreaking loss. After rallying from a 22-point deficit, the 49ers were in position to take the lead. But three passes fell incomplete.

Five yards short.

"Those were the plays that were called," Staley said.

Kaepernick said he had an option on one of the passes that he audibled out of. Head coach Jim Harbaugh also said there was a run option on one of the plays. But it wasn't used.

On second-and-goal at the 5, after the two-minute warning, Kaepernick walked calmly back to the huddle. He appeared to be cool Colin, looking every bit like a man ready to join Joe Montana and Steve Young as 49ers Super Bowl winners.

But the 49ers had called both the third- and fourth-down plays coming out of a timeout with 1:55 left. Both were passes directed to the right, to Crabtree. On the 49ers' final offensive play, a fade to the end zone, Crabtree appeared to be held, but there was no call. Harbaugh complained bitterly, but expecting the officials to bail you out isn't a surefire way to win a Super Bowl.

The Ravens took over, gave up a safety and held on for a 34-31 victory.

"It's very frustrating," Kaepernick said.

Five yards short.

For most of the night, the 49ers looked a lot further away from victory than five yards.

They were awful from the outset. Kaepernick threw an interception, the first 49ers quarterback to do so in a Super Bowl. He looked nervous and tentative. He didn't spot open receivers. He seemed every bit like a second-year player making his 10th start in the NFL.

His 10th start just happened to be in a Super Bowl.

Kaepernick's first-half problems were contrasted by the brilliant play of the Ravens' Joe Flacco, the game's MVP. Flacco was the quarterback moving into the record books alongside Montana. In the first half, Flacco completed 13 of 20 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns. Flacco's 11 touchdowns and no interceptions in this season's playoffs tied Montana's record.

The 49ers' dismal start was a collective effort. They had bad penalties and turnovers. At times they looked almost uninterested, failing to tackle or hit hard. On Kaepernick's interception, the self-proclaimed greatest receiver of all time, Randy Moss, was flat-footed and watched the ball sail over his head and into Ed Reed's hands.

But down 21-6 at halftime, offensive coordinator Greg Roman told his team that everything they had worked on was there for the taking.

"I never felt uncomfortable in the game, I never felt unconfident," Staley said. "I felt we were going to make that a game."

Then the 49ers came out for the second half and watched Jacoby Jones dance through them for a touchdown on the opening kick.

Though his teammates said he looked like the same calm guy they've seen for two months, Kaepernick wasn't as poised as he had been through the playoffs. On the first drive of the second half, rolling out of the pocket he stumbled, tripped up by Ravens defensive lineman Arthur Jones for a six-yard sack.

And then the lights went out. For 34 minutes of confusing, irritating darkness, Kaepernick sat on the bench. And waited for his second chance to make things right.

"I just sat there and got ready for the lights to come back on," he said.

When they did and the third quarter resumed, something clicked in Kaepernick, as though a light bulb went on within him as well.

His passes were crisper. He moved with more confidence. He fired bullets, lofted deep passes. He led the 49ers on four scoring drives.

And when he ran 15 yards into the end zone and forcefully Kaepernicked, it seemed as though everything in the game had changed.

In the second half, Kaepernick outplayed Flacco. He finished completing 16 of 28 passes for 302 yards. It was the fourth 300-yard passing game by a 49er in the Super Bowl. Montana did it twice and Young did it once. But that wasn't the category Kaepernick wanted to join: he wanted to be among the 49ers legends who never lost a Super Bowl.

Kaepernick also ran seven times for 62 yards. But it was the five rushing yards that Kaepernick didn't get that will haunt the 49ers.